[ male announcer ] humana. ♪ test. test. test. test. test. test. test. test. test. test. test. >>> in the fiscal battle with democrats and the obama white house. first read then asks, what does a smart poker player usually do when holding a bad hand? you fold to live another day. nbc news senior political editor mark murray, a gambler as i hear. you're a texan. we all gamble. what would be the next logical hand? because it seems today a lot of republicans are saying let's get the bush tax cut issue dealt with and then wait until next year and would that be something that the democrats and the president would embrace? >> well, this is all about gaining maximum leverage and the better leverage of republicans right now to delay the bigger battle in to february when the debt ceiling would have to be increased. as youç mentioned, essentially acquiesing to the democrats and the white house for those making $250,000 and less and let's have the bigger battle when it comes to raising the debt ceiling. president obama essentially today said he's not willing to play that game. not